Sensor probes

All sensing capabilities of Waspmote Plug & Sense! are provided by sensor probes. Each sensor probe contains one sensor, some necessary protections against outdoor environmental conditions and a waterproof male connector.

The standard length of a sensor probe is about 150 mm, including waterproof connector, but it could vary due to some sensors need special dimensions. The weight of a standard probe rounds 20 g, but there are some special cases in which this weight can rise.

Sensor probes are designed to be used in vertical position (with sensor looking to the ground). In this position, the protection cap of each sensor probe is effective against bad weather conditions.

Each model has six dedicated sockets to connect sensor probes. They are located in the sensor side, as shown below. Each socket has a protecting cap. When one of the six sensor connectors is not used, be sure the cap is screwed to protect the connector.

Figure: Enclosure sensor side with protection caps

Each sensor socket is identified by a letter from A to F (see picture below). The user should understand that each sensor probe should go in a dedicated socket, due to each sensor has different power requirements (current and voltage levels), dedicated circuitry, etc. So please refer to corresponding section to see where to connect each probe.

Always be sure you connected probes in the right socket, otherwise they can be damaged.

Never connect a sensor not provided by Libelium to any of the sensor connectors. The electronics system inside can be damaged and the warranty will be automatically void.

Figure: Enclosure sensor side without protection caps

It should be taken into account that any sensor probe connector has only one matching position with a sensor probe. The user should align the sensor probe connector looking at the little notch of the connector (see image below). Notice that the sensor connector is male type and the enclosure sensor connector is female type.

Figure: Detail of sensor waterproof connector

Besides that, there is a locking nut which should be screwed till the connector is completely fixed to the enclosure.

Figure: Connecting a sensor probe to the enclosure

Please use only sensors officially provided by Libelium. Any other sensor can damage Waspmote Plug & Sense! and void the warranty.

Remember that damages caused by external agents (water, humidity, salt, animals, fire, flooding, gases, etc) are not covered under the Warranty. High concentration of corrosive gases (for example, NH3 -ammonia-, present in pig farms due to swine manure), causes early degradation of the devices, especially the most sensitive or exposed ones, such as sensors.

Sensor probes types

Libelium provides many different sensor probes depending on what is going to be measured. This section describes main features of each type. If further information is required, please refer to the corresponding sensor board guide available on this section of our Development site.

Standard type

This sensor probe is the most common. The sensor is placed inside a plastic cylinder acting as a protection against rain and water, but allowing the sensor Imageninteract with the environment to measure necessary parameters. Besides, the sensor is kept always straight and the size and shape of the probes are standardized as maximum as possible.

Figure: Standard sensor probe

Sensor probes of this type are all the gas sensors of the Smart Environment PRO model (except for the temperature, humidity and pressure sensor and the particle matter sensor).

White protection probe

This probe is designed to reduce sunlight effects and prevent from water and rain, but allowing humidity measurement.

Only the temperature, humidity and pressure sensor include this special protection.

Figure: Temperature, humidity and pressure probe

Luminosity - LDR probe

This probe is designed to allow sunlight to go thought a transparent protection.

Figure: Luminosity probe

Liquid Presence probe (point)

This probe is designed to allow placing the sensor near its application.

Figure: Liquid Presence probe (point) probe

Liquid level probe

This probe is designed to measure liquid levels.

Figure: Liquid level probe

Liquid flow probe

This probe is designed to measure liquid flow through a pipe.

Figure: Liquid flow probe

Hall effect probe

This probe is designed to control the opening of doors, windows, etc.

Figure: Hall effect probe

Solar radiation probe

This probe is designed to measure solar radiation.

Figure: Solar radiation probe

Soil temperature probe

This probe is designed to be buried into the ground to measure its temperature.

Figure: Soil temperature probe

Soil moisture probe

This probe is designed to be buried into the ground to measure its moisture.

Figure: Soil moisture probe

Dendrometer probe

This probe is designed to measure trunk, stem and fruit diameter of vegetables.

Figure: Dendrometer probe

Leaf wetness probe

This probe is designed to measure wetness on vegetable leafs.

Figure: Leaf wetness probe

Weather Station WS-3000 probe

This probe is designed to measure wind direction, wind speed and rain.

Figure: Weather Station WS-3000 probe

Liquid Presence probe (line)

This probe is designed to allow placing the sensor near its application.

Figure: Liquid Presence probe (line)

Directionable type

This type of probe is only for some sensors. The sensor is placed inside a plastic modular hose that allows us to point them where we want to measure with it.

Figure: Configurations of directionable sensor probes

Sensor probes of this type are:

• Presence - PIR directionable probe

  This probe is designed to allow infrared light through a lens, necessary for presence applications.

Figure: Presence (PIR) directionable probe

• Ultrasound sensor directionable probe

  This probe is designed to measure distances using ultrasonic waves.

Figure: Ultrasound directionable probe

• Luminosity (Luxes accuracy) directionable probe This probe is designed to measure luxes indoors and outdoors.

Figure: Luminosity (luxes accuracy) directionable probe

• Terminal box probe

  This probe allows access to the 4-20 mA current loop board signals, to the relay contacts on Smart Security models (max 30 VDC, 1 A) and also to allow access to the optional Industrial Protocols feature (RS-485, Modbus and CAN Bus) in the Waspmote Plug & Sense! encapsulated line. A waterproof terminal block junction box is provided as a probe, making the connections on industrial environments or outdoor applications easier.

Figure: Terminal box probe

• DB9 probe

  The DB9 connector is commonly used in many applications with data transmission on industrial ambients. Libelium provides this probe with a standard DB9 female connector and a length of 1.5 meters.

Figure: DB9 probe

Extension cord

This element is used when one sensor needs to be placed far from the node. Two lengths are available: 1.5 and 3 m. Next picture shows an extension cord.

Figure: Extension cord accessory.

The extension cord has a female and a male connector. The first one (female) should be connected to the sensor probe. Next picture shows that.

Figure: Connecting a probe with an extension cord

Moreover, the male connector should be connected to the enclosure as shown below.